1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7 Chevrolet

Summary:

My Pontiac makes me proud of Chevrolet's excitement division

Faults:

The original engine was a 305. It exploded quite some time before I ever owned the car.

To simplify, every seal possible has gone bad.. inside and out.

Front and rear brake assemblies, all pieces failed visual or road inspections due to wear or aging.

All front steering and suspension parts have been replaced due to wear.

The rear axle was leaky and noisy, and the 4 link system was bent due to the torque of the Chevelle motor. All rear bushings were bad. Replacement of the axle and rear suspension complete, was the only option.

Most of the interior has been replaced due to wear/weathering.

This car eats transmissions. I've put three in myself. I'm abusive though.

Original head light motor assemblies, R.I.P. 1982-2001.

Those poor door hinges never stood a chance.

Everything listed, and anything else not listed probably wore out and has been replaced.

This is a 22.5 year old car with a reputation for abuse, so literally every part on this car has been replaced carefully with new or like new condition parts.

This car sat from 1994-2001 on blocks untouched. Time and weather alone messed this car up. Nothing with moving parts was good after sitting 7 years untouched.

General Comments:

This car is simply the best. It steers like a dream, and stops on a dime, the acceleration would make an old lady die of a heart attack.

Converting this car for all out performance has been a breeze. It was born to rock.

A 1970 Chevelle 350 engine and a 350 hydromatic transmission bolted right in.

You can buy these cars all day long for 500 bucks, or three for fifteen-hundred.

I couldn't ask for more out of a car. It looks fast and it is fast. And it rides and steers like you know it should.

I have less than 5,000 dollars in this car, and I get a stronger engine, more comfort and room, and it steers better than sports cars that cost over ten thousand dollars more.

Myself and its previous two owners have severely punished this car, and it has proven to be a very durable vehicle.

I am proud to think of what it has survived.

It still drives perfectly without problems or hesitations, to whatever destination I point it toward.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2004

24th Aug 2005, 14:41

Must be a Chevy guy otherwise you'd know the Trans Am was originally equipped with a 301 V-8 not a 305...

17th Sep 2005, 22:32

Hey, I checked out the Vin on my 81 according to that mine came stock with a 305 too (the 8th digit is an H)... when I first bought the car I also thought that 81 only came with the 301 and 301 turbo, but I guess I was wrong.

16th Dec 2005, 17:04

All 4 speed manuals that came out in 1981 had a 305 v8 with it. Most of the automatics came with the 301, and 301 turbo.

28th Dec 2005, 23:26

I do believe this guy has his year wrong. I think he meant to say it is a 1982 not a 1981. He states that the headlight motors quit working. 1982 was the first year for the flip up head lights. So he would be correct on the 305 for sure as 301 was no longer available in a f-body starting in 1982.

1st Jan 2008, 20:10

I have an 81 but, I don't have the original block. I bought the car new for $12,500.00 & now I am about to start a complete restoration, which I am sure it will be at least 2 to 3 times more. Considering the year, the paint isn't that bad. I will need help locating parts & decals.

Contact me via email at vbraccia@vbconcrete.net

The car is the coolest car ever built for me.

I am building a heated garage for my restored TA.

Looking forward to it!

24th Aug 2022, 19:40

Was the 82 Firebird TA the car in Knight Rider?

15th Sep 2022, 16:57

Yes.

8th Oct 2023, 15:55

And the amount of black ones you saw with a red light at front because of that was insane. And no car can talk!

9th Oct 2023, 12:04

No car can talk? Apparently you never saw those Chryslers and Nissans from the 1980's that informed you, among other things, "your door is ajar" :)

1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 305 V8

Summary:

The perfect car for a 16 year old who likes to show off

Faults:

The left window motor went up. It was not very expensive to replace, it was fairly easy to replace.

The A.C. hose received a hole in it, so I no longer have A.C., I cannot find another hose for it.

The interior needs to be re-done.

Need to sand blast some rust spots away.

Need a patch panel for the left rear quarter panel because there is a rust hole about 4 to 6 inches across.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I love it. it doesn't have a lot of horsepower, but it is very quick.

I dragged race a Honda civic about 2 weeks ago and blew it away. Even though this car has 144 thousand miles it still as good as the day we got it.

Lots of my friends like the body style and they enjoy it when I take them on back roads for a joy ride.

I enjoy how the car handles through the turns.

I'm getting ready to have the interior re-done, and re-paint the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2002